How to Measure for Made-to-Measure Cushions (in cm)

Quick answer: Measure the seat itself, not the old cushion. Take the width, the depth front to back and the thickness you want, in centimetres. For anything that is not a rectangle, measure every side or make a paper template. We cut within ±1.3 cm of the size you order.

Getting the size right is the most important part of ordering a made-to-measure cushion. This guide works for window seats, benches, garden furniture, sofas and boats.

What you need

• A metal tape measure marked in centimetres
• Paper and tape for templates (for curved or angled seats)
• Your phone, to photograph the seat and any template

Step 1: Measure the width

Measure from side to side where the cushion will sit. For a window seat or bench between two walls, measure at the front and the back, as walls are rarely perfectly square, and use the smaller number.

Step 2: Measure the depth

Measure from the front edge to the back wall or frame. If the cushion should overhang the front edge, add that amount.

Step 3: Choose the thickness

• 2.5–7.5 cm: chair pads, piano stools and stool tops
• 7.5–13 cm: most window seats, benches and garden chairs (our standard range)
• Up to 20 cm: deep seats and day beds

Step 4: Odd shapes

For trapezoid, L-shaped or curved seats, measure every side, or tape paper over the seat, trace the shape, mark the front edge and send a photo with a ruler in it. Bay windows and corner seats often need this.

Foam size vs cover size

Foam is measured edge to edge. Covers are measured seam to seam. If you are ordering covers for foam you already have, measure the foam, not the old cover.

Before we cut

We send a spec sheet with a drawing for you to approve before we cut anything. Start with window seat cushions, bench cushions or garden furniture cushions.

Measuring by seat type

Window seats and bay windows

Measure the width at the front edge and against the wall, and the depth at each end. Bay windows are usually a trapezoid or a three-sided shape, so measure every side or make a template.

Garden chairs and benches

Measure the seat and the back separately. Note where the back posts meet the seat, so the cushion can be notched and the ties sit in the right place. Our guide to ordering chair cushions has more on notches and ties.

Sun loungers and chaise cushions

A hinged lounger cushion is measured as seat length plus back length. Lay the lounger flat, measure from the foot to the hinge and from the hinge to the top, and note where the hinge falls. See sun lounger cushions.

Sofa seats

Sofa seats often taper, and some wrap around the arms in a T-shape. Our sofa cushion measuring guide covers both.

Details that change the fit

• Piping adds about 6 mm around the edge.
• A Dacron wrap adds about 6 mm and softens the edges.
• Zips sit along the back edge on most cushions, so they face the wall.
• Ties in matching fabric are standard; tell us where the posts or slats are.

Common measuring mistakes

1. Using a fabric sewing tape, which stretches. A metal tape is more accurate.
2. Measuring once. Measure each side twice, at the front and at the back.
3. Rounding to the nearest 5 cm. Give us the real number, to the nearest half centimetre.
4. Mixing up width and depth. Width runs side to side; depth runs front to back.

Because every cushion is made to order, a cushion made to a measuring error can't be returned, so check your numbers before you order. If we cut outside ±1.3 cm, we remake it free.

Ordering and delivery

Enter your sizes in centimetres on any product page and the price updates as you go. Standard shapes take 2–3 weeks to make, and custom shapes from your template take 5–6 weeks. Delivery is free across the UK, with import duty and VAT paid, so there is nothing to pay on arrival.

Measuring for covers only

If you are keeping your foam and only need new covers, measure the foam itself, edge to edge: width, depth and thickness. Don't measure the old cover, which stretches and shrinks with washing. The new cover is sewn to fit the foam size you give us.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure the old cushion or the seat?

The seat. Old cushions shrink, sag and lose their shape, so they give a false size.

Can I order in centimetres?

Yes. Enter your sizes in centimetres, whichever you measured in.

How accurate are made-to-measure cushions?

We cut and sew within ±1.3 cm of the size you order, and if we get it wrong beyond that we remake it free.